Suns' playoff hopes down to one scenario

The fact that the playoffs are still even a possibility for the Phoenix Suns (47-33) this late into the 2013-14 season is a victory in and of itself.

With that said, following back-to-back crushing losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, the road to their first postseason appearance since 2009-10 will not be an easy one.

Not only does Phoenix need to win both of its remaining two games, but it also needs help from an unlikely ally.

Below is the only scenario that would push the Suns into the playoffs past the Memphis Grizzlies for the final spot in the Western Conference.

Phoenix's only hope:

Win both of their final two games against the Grizzlies on Monday and the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.

AND...

Lose both of their remaining games, at the Suns on Monday and at home against Dallas on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, Memphis isn't likely to hold up its end of the bargain. Even if the Suns top the Grizzlies on Monday, the Mavericks would have nothing to play for against Memphis on Wednesday, already having the seventh seed clinched by virtue of a tiebreaker.